I don’t do bland or basic. This chili is seasoned in every layer so you get the real deal flavor in every bite. I’ve been creating quick, flavor-packed recipes for over 10 years, and when I say a recipe works, it’s because I’ve tested it in a real kitchen, mine. You can trust this one to turn out right the first time. It’s a one-pot, weeknight-friendly recipe that’s full of bold seasoning, no flat or watery chili here.
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Made this last night for supper. Used ground chicken. Turned out fantastic. Thank you for the recipe.
~Nancy
I have so many chili recipes because it's a go-to favorite any time of the year when I'm looking for something easy for meal prep, that's healthy and filling, too. Chili is basically meat, vegetables, and beans. You pick your favorite meat and even omit beans if they aren't your thing.
Ground Chicken Chili Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Bell Peppers
- Garlic
- Ground Chicken
- Canned chili beans
- Canned black beans
- Canned diced chilies and tomatoes
- Broth
- Tomato paste
- Chili seasoning
What Type of Chicken to Use
I'm using ground chicken in this recipe but ground turkey, ground beef, ground pork, or whatever you prefer is interchangeable so feel free to use what you want.
Ground chicken is lean, especially compared to beef and pork. This means it has a lot less fat and will have less moisture while cooking it. I like to cook it with sauteed veggies cooked in olive oil for that reason. I also had a small amount of chicken broth to the recipe to compensate.
How to Season/What Spices to Use
You can use a store-bought packet if you wish. I like to use my Homemade Chili Seasoning Blend. The store-bought packs typically have preservatives and/or sugar. For my blend you will need:
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Dried Oregano
- Cayenne Pepper (if you like spicy chili)
How to Make Ground Chicken Chili
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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- Heat the oil. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Sauté the veggies. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the chicken. Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the seasonings. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning and stir well so the chicken and veggies are coated in flavor.
- Stir in tomato paste. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to let it deepen in flavor and coat the chicken mixture.
- Add the beans and tomatoes. Pour in the canned chili beans, black beans (drained and rinsed), and the canned diced chilies and tomatoes. Stir everything together.
- Add the broth. Pour in enough broth to loosen the chili and bring it all together. Stir well.
- Simmer. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally. This lets all the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust. Check the seasoning, add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you like it bolder.
- Serve warm. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili fixings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or cornbread on the side.
More Recipes You Will Love
Ground Chicken Chili
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped green peppers
- ½ cup chopped red peppers
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced.
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 15 oz canned chili beans Drained
- 15 oz canned black beans Drained
- 15 oz canned diced chilies and tomatoes
- ½ cup broth Chicken or vegetable, etc
- 6 oz canned tomato paste
Homemade Chili Seasoning (You can also use a store-bought chili packet if you wish).
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper Optional for spicy.
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or large stock pot on medium high heat. When hot, add the olive oil, chopped onions, green peppers, and red peppers.1 teaspoon olive oil, ½ cup chopped onions, ½ cup chopped green peppers, ½ cup chopped red peppers
- Saute for a few minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Add in the minced garlic and stir.2-3 garlic cloves
- Add in the ground chicken. Use a meat chopper and break down the ground chicken.1 pound ground chicken
- Season the chicken with the chili spices and seasoning. Stir until the chicken until it has fully cooked or for about 5-6 minutes. I find that ground chicken doesn't produce much fat, but use your judgment and drain any excess fat if necessary.1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper Optional for spicy.
- Add the broth, beans, diced tomatoes and chilies, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir.15 oz canned chili beans, 15 oz canned black beans, 15 oz canned diced chilies and tomatoes, ½ cup broth, 6 oz canned tomato paste
- Adjust the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer until all of the ingredients are combined, for about 15-20 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Toppings and Variations
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Avocado
- Diced onions
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Hot sauce
- Corn
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Bell peppers
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Quinoa
- Cooked rice
Frequently Asked Questions and Pro Tips
You will have to cook your ground chicken first on stovetop. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker or Crockpot and cook for 4-5 hours on High or 7-8 hours on Low.
It will last tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
This is a great freezer meal! It works wonderfully for meal prep. I freeze the soup using these soup molds from Amazon. The soup will freeze for up to several months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and has a similar flavor and texture. You can even use lean ground beef if that’s what you have on hand.
I always do. But for chili beans, some people don’t drain because the liquid is seasoned and adds flavor. I like to rely on my own flavor from the recipe. It's up to you.
If your chili is a little thin, let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 more minutes so some of the liquid cooks off. You can also stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or mash a few of the beans to naturally thicken it.
Pair With These Recipes
Homemade Southern Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Keto Low Carb Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Dressing
More Chili Recipes
Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
Leftover Turkey Chili
Creamy Seafood Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Chili Cheese Fries
Creamy Stovetop White Chicken Chili
Taco Chili
Teri says
Swapped in ground Turkey for ground chicken bc that’s what I have on hand. It’s been dreary rainy day today and the temperature has dropped. This with your jalapeño cornbread is just what I needed for the weekend. Cozy comfort food, warm blankets and TV.
staysnatched says
Such a great pairing!
Amanda G. says
Another chili hit, Brandi! Easy to make, doesn’t skimp on flavor. “Insert cliche comment about making chili on a chilly fall night here” 😜
staysnatched says
ha ha love to hear it.
Cassandra P says
This was so good. I left out the cayenne pepper because I live with wimps but I can just imagine that it set it off to a whole another level. Perfect comfort food and I loved every bite.
staysnatched says
Wimps took me out 🤣
Michele says
Such a yummy chili recipe! Less than 35 mins from start to finish, so tasty and perfectly spiced with the addition of the cayenne pepper. Definitely will make again.
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear you will make it again!
Karen says
Is there a substitute for cumin?
staysnatched says
Coriander
Heather G says
This chili recipe was great! I came across it on your Instagram and saved it for a cold front this weekend in Texas. I love chili with beans and we already had all the spices to make the homemade chili seasoning. I used ground beef and am excited to make it again with chicken or turkey! I know it will be just as tasty! Also loved how quick and easy it was for such a classic flavorful dish. Thank you Brandi!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it!
Val says
I didn’t have any peppers used carrots and celery instead also dry beans.Came out great did the dried beans for 30 minutes in pressure cooker 1cup to 4 cups water. The spice blend is what makes this so good. Added a little cayenne too. Had it over Mac and cheese. Delicious!!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Vivian says
What a delicious recipe! Made it last night and both my husband and I loved it. For vegetables I used cut up baby carrots & spinach instead. Used pinto and black beans. Followed the rest of the recipe without any other changes. Super tasty. A keeper.
staysnatched says
I’m glad it’s a keeper!
Gigi says
delicious thanks for this recipe! I swapped out the turkey for chicken and cumin for paprika and used some dried pepper flakes I had from my garden for the spicy kick and wow!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Keishsam says
This was delicious! Full of flavor plus fast and easy. Definitely will be a go to when I want some chili. Thanks!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Regina says
Can I use the frozen mix of peppers and onions. I’m going to do it in the crockpot.
staysnatched says
Sure.
Diane Snyder says
Yum. I added a shredded carrot, about 1 TBSP Smokey paprika. I didn’t have any black beans so I added a cup of frozen corn at the end. Super.
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it!
Nancy Rogers says
Made this last night for supper. Used ground chicken. Turned out fantastic. Thank you for the recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome!